• [recognition & inspiration]
• [networking & support]
• [education & awareness]

[city sourcebook] seattle [posted on June 19, 2006]

The Emerald City is full of ways to incorporate easy, fun, hip sustainable choices into your lifestyle every day. Scroll down for each industry for sources of sustainable style in Seattle:

advertising, marketing & pr | architecture | arts | beauty | consumer products | entertainment | fashion | food & restaurant | gardening & landscaping | interior design | mobility | music | print media | sports | travel | urban planning

Swift Impressions [posted on September 8, 2006]

With a vision to spark economic, social, and environmental vitality through effective communications and client success, Swift Impressions offers marketing consulting, creative services, and web expertise with a record of enhancing clients' professional image and competitive position. Swift Impression guides businesses in establishing market presence, forges brand identities for organizations, creates compelling graphic design, and develops complex web applications. [Swift Impressions]

Rooland Design [posted on August 8, 2006]

The environment is very important to Rooland Design. They encourage their clients to be open to innovative solutions in the design process. This could involve using 100% recycled papers, less material in packaging, doing away with plastic and looking at the problem in a new way. They are also involved in Canopy, a company working to save species and habitat from extinction and do 15% pro bono work concerning the environment. [Rooland Design]

KittenChops [posted on August 8, 2006]

KittenChops specializes in impactful, custom tailored, concept driven illustration and graphic design applicable to both digital and traditional print media. A few of the foundations of the KittenChops design process are a love for listening, a dedication to creating long term mutually productive client relationships and having fun with my work. KittenChops' broad client base include: Starbucks Coffee Company, Nordstrom, Ride Snowboards, and the Stranger. [KittenChops]

EnviroStars [posted on July 21, 2006]

The goal of the EnviroStars Program is to give businesses incentives and recognition for reducing hazardous waste, while giving consumers an objective way to identify environmentally sound businesses, using a two to five star rating scale. The more proactive a business is in preventing pollution, the higher the star rating and the more public promotion and free marketing the business receives. [EnviroStars]

EnTech Public Relations [posted on July 21, 2006]

EnTech PR specializes in telling your green story to either targeted audiences, the mainstream media, or both. If you have a socially responsible business or a green product, consider who is going to tell your story. EnTech understands your product or service and they know how to reach the green market or how to explain a green business to the mainstream marketplace. [EnTech PR]

Parsons PR [posted on March 2, 2006]

Since 1992, Parsons has spread their passion for doing work that makes a difference on a local and global scale. They integrate personal values and business practices, building partnerships based on respect, enthusiasm, and a commitment to quality work. Parsons GoodWorks, their community service program, annually contributes significant time and donations to a variety of local, national, and international organizations. [Parsons PR]

egg [posted on March 2, 2006]

Focusing exclusively on responsible brands and organizations, egg strives to create success in the marketplace for the good guys. egg is also a proud member of 1% for the Planet. [egg]

Bellwether Group [posted on March 2, 2006]

Forward-thinking communications to broaden and vitalize the base of people who care about social justice, socially-responsible business practices, global equity, and environmental stewardship. [Bellwether Group]

BetterBricks [posted on September 18, 2006]

An initiative of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, BetterBricks has its sights set on helping business professionals understand the power of energy efficiency to make a real difference in their buildings and in their business. BetterBricks believes that energy efficiency can provide tremendous value, with substantial contributions to the bottom line as well as the environment. BetterBricks services and resources are designed to meet the real-world needs of building professionals. [BetterBricks]

Green Building Program [posted on September 15, 2006]

The city of Seattle's Green Building Program is dedicated to making green building standard practice in Seattle through education, technical assistance and incentives. They believe that we can live in balance--a balance that includes economic prosperity, environmental health and quality of life and are believe that no project is too small, or too large, to make a start. They are here to help you fulfill your green building dreams and to make their mission a reality. [Green Building]

Second Use Building Materials [posted on August 31, 2006]

Salvaging approximately 100 tons of building materials each month, Second Use supplies the region with salvaged and reclaimed building materials. They provide customers with an ever-changing supply of contemporary and older lights, bath fixtures, hardware, and stained glass. Donations to Second Use are sold to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. [Second Use Building Materials]

Windfall Lumber [posted on August 3, 2006]

Windfall Lumber, born out of the 1996 ice storm here in Olympia, Washington, has been committed to sustainable forest products from day one. Their intent is to provide quality products that are sustainably harvested but are also affordable. Windfall uses certified wood so that consumers can be assured that wood comes from well managed forests or from reclaimed sources of wood. [Windfall Lumber]

Solar Washington [posted on August 3, 2006]

Solar Washington is a non-profit association of solar energy equipment manufacturers, system integrators, distributors, dealers, designers, consultants, students, and interested people. Their mission is to promote the development and effective use of solar and renewable energy and the related arts, sciences, and technologies with concern for the economic, environmental, and social fabric of Washington State through education. [Solar Washington]

Seattle Green Map [posted on August 3, 2006]

A Green Map is a locally created map of the environment - both natural and cultural features - that uses the Green Map System's lively, globally shared icons to identify significant sites. Each map is unique and provides a fresh perspective on the green character of one's hometown through an accessible geographic inventory of green resources and places that make the local environment so special. [Seattle Green Map]

The ReStore [posted on August 2, 2006]

The RE Store was founded in 1993 by RE Sources for Sustainable Communities to address the growing problem of wasteful disposal of useable building materials, most of which were buried in the local landfill. The RE Store provides an alternative to dumping those materials. The RE Store also saves homeowners, contractors, and business owners the burden of wasting useful, beautiful, and unique items. [The ReStore]

Northwest Solar Center [posted on August 2, 2006]

A project of Washington State University, the Northwest Solar Center's membership and guiding board are northwestern utilities, not-for-profits, and local governments. Their mission involves evaluating and improving renewable technologies and Accelerated installation of solar electricity throughout the Pacific Northwest. Even their website is maintained on a solar powered server. [NWSC]

Lumbermens Building [posted on July 26, 2006]

Since 1895, Lumbermens has been supplying building materials to the professional builder from the Northwest to the Southwest. They specialize in green building, resulting in a healthier indoor environment. With products including those that don't release significant pollutants, that block the spread of indoor contaminates, and products that remove indoor pollutants, Lumbermens can build you your healthy home. [Lumbermens]

GreenWorks Realty [posted on July 26, 2006]

GreenWorks Realty is locally-owned in Seattle and proud to be the first real estate firm to specialize in healthy green homes, community-focused developments, and innovative properties. Their vision is to create a more sustainable world by implementing progressive change in our local communities that supports human expression and protects the integrity of our environment. [GreenWorks]

Bamboo Builders Northwest [posted on July 21, 2006]

Responding to the need for artistry combined with environmental responsibility, Bamboo Builders Northwest is the Pacific Northwest's premier source for elegant bamboo design and construction. In company with environmentally conscious architects, Bamboo Builders will continue to find ways to marry bamboo with reclaimed and recycled materials to create arresting and original designs. [Bamboo Builders]

360 Modern [posted on July 21, 2006]

360 Modern is passionate about and dedicated to the appreciation of Modern Architecture and all things related. They are here to provide two services: a place for pertinent, interesting, changing information about Modern Architecture and Modernism and to provide real estate services for people wanting to buy or sell a Modern home. [360 Modern]

US Green Building Council [posted on March 3, 2006]

The US Green Building Council is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Developers of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the USGBC is leading a national consensus for producing a new generation of buildings that deliver high performance inside and out. [US Green Building Council]

International Sustainable Solutions [posted on March 3, 2006]

ISS believes that with progressive leadership and emerging experience in sustainability, the Pacific Northwest can offer its products and services to a world market. They work with government, corporations and non-profits to encourage sustainability through exloring global best practices, assisting in local implementation of these practices, and working to develop opportunities to provide products and services to the rest of the world. [International Sustainable Solutions]

Environmental Home Center [posted on March 3, 2006]

A super source for green building materials, Environmental Home Center's selection includes non-toxic paint, natural carpets, sustainable wood products, energy-efficient insulation and people-friendly cleaning supplies. A handy how-to guide and list of faq's help you stay smart and build/paint/renovate green. They know that together, we can build a better world. [Environmental Home Center]

NBBJ [posted on March 2, 2006]

With offices in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Columbus, New York, London, Beijing and Shanghai, NBBJ is a truly global architecture and design firm that believes that ideas change everything. As the third largest design firm in the country (and fifth-largest in the world), NBBJ has experience with just about everything, and they do it all with a smart growth approach and a goal of fostering meaningful, socially reinforcing communities. [NBBJ]

Mithun [posted on March 2, 2006]

Encompassing architecture, urban planning, landscapes and interior design, Mithun has embraced resource-efficient and sustainable design for over a decade. Their portfolio includes projects from campus and workplace planning to residential and mixed use projects for clients from REI to Duke University to Seattle's Pier 56. Definite leaders in sustainable design and architecture. [Mithun]

Martha Rose Construction [posted on March 2, 2006]

Awarded the 2005 Home Builder Award in the BuiltGreen Design Competition, energy-saving and healthy-air features are standard on all Martha Rose structures. They are a member of "Built Green," a program that was implemented by the Master Builders Association to encourage builders to construct and renovate homes in a more environmentally compatible way. It is a holistic approach that covers design, site work, material choices, energy conservation and education of the workers and consumers. [Martha Rose Construction]

Living Systems Design [posted on March 2, 2006]

Living Systems Design offers an integrative philosophy to on-site water management issues. Their goal is to advance environmental stewardship by promoting economically viable solutions to environmental problems with individuals, businesses and government entities; they'll design a roofscape, hardscape or landscape for any hydrological situation. [Living Systems Design]

Jones & Jones [posted on March 2, 2006]

Founded in 1969, Jones & Jones hopes to give a voice to the landscape and its inhabitants through integrating architecture and landscape architecture. They received the first ever Firm Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2003; in everything they do, Jones & Jones strives for architecture that springs out of living places. [Jones & Jones]

Callison [posted on March 2, 2006]

Prolific around the globe, Callison provides planning and design services to retail, hospitality, mixed-use, healthcare and corporate clients throughout the world. They specialize in urban mixed-use developments, health care facilities and research laboratories and corporate offices and campus planning; wherever they go, Callison creates smarter places. [Callison]

ArtWorks [posted on September 8, 2006]

An arts program uniquely able to reach out to at-risk youth while enriching communities, ArtWorks programs have fostered a new sense of self-esteem, self-motivation and self-sufficiency for youth through pre-employment training and subsidized employment in the arts. They create murals for schools, businesses and parks throughout the city—and offer a wealth of opportunities for young people to get involved with the arts and move their lives in a positive direction. [ArtWorks]

Lush [posted on August 28, 2006]

A cosmetics and skincare line with stores worldwide, Lush believes in making effective products out of fresh organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics, without animal ingredients or animal testing, and in writing the quantitative list on the outside. They believe in making their own fresh products by hand, printing their own labels and making their own fragrances. Lush also uses fair-trade ingredients where possible. [Lush]

Etherea Salon & Spa [posted on May 7, 2006]

Proud to be an Aveda Concept Salon, Etherea reflects Aveda's commitment to quality and environmental causes with their full range of services that will make you 'Feel Heavenly.' Don't miss the 'Feel Heavenly Happy Hour' each Wednesday and Friday with reduced prices on some popular services, and you'll even get 20% off a product purchase during your birth month. Treat yourself to first-class salon service with the Greater Seattle Business of the Year for 2005. [Etherea Salon & Spa]

Aveda [posted on March 29, 2006]

One of the originals is still one of the best. Aveda has too many great initiatives to list here, but have an outstanding commitment to caring for the planet and the people who live here. Their goal is to connect beauty, environment and well-being with their products and services, and show no signs of slowing down in their endeavor to make both people and the planet healthier and more beautiful. [Aveda]

Mode Organic Salon [posted on March 29, 2006]

One of Seattle's premier full-service salons, MODE offers fabulous skin, hair and cosmetic service and products, all with an organic twist. Go there and feel relaxed, rejuvenated and completely satisfied. [Mode Organic Salon]

Lucky Crow Gift Bags [posted on August 8, 2006]

Based in Seattle, WA, Lucky Crow is a small, artistic, and environmentally-minded group of happy, hard-working folks with solid backgrounds in business and design. Lucky Crow's gift bags are simple, stylish, waste-free, and reusable. They are also a proud member of 1% for the Planet , donating 1% of all of our sales to non-profit organizations working to protect our natural environment. [Lucky Crow]

Industrial Designer's Society of America Northwest Chapter [posted on August 8, 2006]

The Industrial Designers of America (IDSA) is the voice of the industrial design profession, advancing the quality and positive impact of design. Their mission is to lead the profession by expanding our horizons, connectivity and influence, and our service to members, inspire design quality and responsibility through professional development and education, and elevate the business of design and improve our industry's value. [IDSA]

Seattle International Film Festival [posted on August 7, 2006]

Seattle International Film Festival Group celebrates the culture and art of the moving image through filmmaking and filmgoing experiences of exceptional merit and diversity that inform, educate and entertain. Held in early summer each year, SIFF showcases the best features of the year. Also awarded at the festival is the Jury Award and Golden Space Needle Audience Award. [SIFF]

Northwest Film Forum [posted on August 7, 2006]

Northwest Film Forum classes and workshops are designed to instruct filmmakers on both the mechanical skills required by current filmmaking technology and the artistic application of tools to explore the critical and emotional range of the cinematic experience. Classes and workshops are taught by working artists: filmmakers, writers, producers and editors. Explore Filmmaking by doing it. [NW Film Forum]

ArtSpots [posted on August 7, 2006]

ArtSpots is a non-profit program dedicated to creating and broadcasting media art using commercial television slots for a gallery. The pieces encourage viewers to look inside themselves and connect with their own values, creating a more sustainable, emotionally connected and environmentally aware relationship to the world we live in. The spots are free and can be copied and shared by viewers. [ArtSpots]

911 Media Arts [posted on August 7, 2006]

Considered to be Washington State's premier Media Arts Center, the mission of 911 Media Arts is to support the expressive use of innovative media tools by providing the access, training and environment needed to reate/exhibit works of enduring merit and artistic excellence. 911 Media Arts believes that everyone can and should have access to the tools of communication. [911 Media Arts]

Eco Encore [posted on July 24, 2006]

Reusable books, CDs, DVDs and software can be donated to this nonprofit for a tax deduction. Profits from selling these goods on Eco Encore's Online Store are given to nineteen environmental non-profit organizations in the Puget Sound region. Eco Encore is dedicated to treading lightly on the earth. They utilize recycled and used paper whenever possible, and ship packages through the U.S. Postal Service, which they believe to be the most environmentally efficient system. [Eco Encore]

Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Network [posted on April 18, 2006]

Bringing filmmakers together with environmental activists, educators, government, scientists, business, and concerned citizens, Hazel Wolf strives to improve the quality and effective use of environmental media. Hosting and producing several film festivals each year, they also have a program designed to engage youth who want to speak out about the planet through film. [Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Network]

Better World Films [posted on April 18, 2006]

Aiming to empower people to create sustainable lives, livable communities, and a just world with equal opportunities for all, Better World Films wants to broaden the environmental and progressive movement through the organization and production of film festivals. Based in the Seattle area, Better World Media is a project of A.W.I.S.H. (A World Institute for a Sustainable Humanity), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide models and support for life sustaining activities. [Better World Films]

Hipposchemes [posted on September 18, 2006]

In the business of creating unique handmade art, Hipposchemes makes all of their products from recycled and salvaged materials, from old sweatshirts to discarded street signs. Nothing goes to waste and even the scraps are used to make one of a kind bracelets. The folks at Hipposchemes believe that it is possible to create designs that have a huge impact on culture and little to no impact on the environment. Sustainable style at its best. [Hipposchemes]

Soy Clothing [posted on August 31, 2006]

Promoting the true urban and street lifestyle that is uniquely developing in the Northwest and across the country, Soy Clothing not only sells streetwear but is quite involved in their community. Soy Clothing live and promote the street lifestyle, sponsoring talents from djs to rock bands and even a skate team in 2006. Encouraging solidarity across generations and among a variety of peoples, Soy asserts that "your culture is our culture" so live out loud. [Soy Clothing]

Vintage Chick [posted on August 4, 2006]

Vintage Chick features unique vintage, retro and used men's and women's clothing. The store has a large collection of clothing and accessories that are sure to give your wardrobe that piece of flare it has been missing. Vintage Chick is constantly updating their inventory so every visit will be as unique as your style. [Vintage Chick]

Reputation [posted on August 4, 2006]

Reptation was born out of the need to shop at a fun place that had ever changing, affordable clothes that didn't break student budget. The store has become a popular place among the neighborhood and college fashionistas virtually overnight. Their inventory changes every month and the range of fashion is from East Coast to West Coast, bringing to Seattle the styles found in places such as Melrose in LA or SoHo in NYC. [Reputation]

R.E.Load Baggage [posted on August 4, 2006]

The dedication put into creating the best products possible will be evident every time you sling a R.E.Load™ bag over your shoulder. Roland and Ellie (the R and E in R.E.Load) say: "You'll notice that we don't include any excuses about why our products are made in foreign lands - that's because we make each and every custom bag ourselves, completely from scratch. From start to finish." [R.E.Load Baggage]

Red Light [posted on August 4, 2006]

Seattle's largest vintage clothing store, Red Light carries Victorian through early 80's clothing and accessories. Besides vintage clothing, they also carry the hottest current styles of new clothing for men and women, and costumes for any occassion, which you can buy cheaper than renting! Whether you are a collector, going to a party, updating your wardrobe or looking for that special treasure, you can find it here. [Red Light]

House of Stylz [posted on August 4, 2006]

House of Stylz features all of the hottest urban fashions for men, women, and children. House of Stylez is rooted in a vision of community development and economic empowerment. The owners point the proliferation of hip hop culture in Seattle and beyond, but the note lack of African American's in any type of ownership positions. The resulting strategy is to combine networking events along with fashion shows and invite other business owners and those interested to meet each other and build. [House of Stylz]

Le Frock [posted on August 4, 2006]

Loosely translated, Le Frock means "the dress" or "the clothes" in French. Le Frock is ten years young, loving life in ze vibrant, historic and always eclectic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington and they buy and consign outstanding new and gently used men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. Le Frock only sells high quality merchandise making them known for offering a wide range of great finds with incredible style. [Le Frock]

Certified Jean Co. [posted on August 4, 2006]

Certified jeans are made from 100% organic / transitional cotton grown without chemicals in the USA. Numerous studies document that toxic chemicals used in conventional cotton production cause ecological damage and are responsible for the decline and mortality of birds and other wildlife in treated areas. Wearing CERTIFIED jeans protects you from social criticisms because they're the "conscientious jean" made from beneficial fabrics and made in the USA under US labor laws. [Certified Jean Co.]

Buffalo Exchange [posted on June 12, 2006]

The purpose of this great company is to lead the resale fashion industry, provide a livelihood for its employees, a fair return to its owners, and achieve sustainable profitability by being the most beneficial place for its customers to buy, sell, and trade new and recycled clothing. Buffalo Exchange is unique because clothing and accessories are bought, sold and traded directly with store customers. [Buffalo Exchange]

Cutter & Buck [posted on April 11, 2006]

A Seattle-based sportswear company, Cutter & Buck pioneered the use of organic cotton in apparel and were a founding member of SA8000, a social accountability platform. They are the exclusive apparel sponsor for professional golfer Annika Sorenstam, among others in the game, and pride themselves on professional, responsible sportswear for men and women. [Cutter & Buck]

Margaret O'Leary [posted on April 10, 2006]

A strong supporter of breast cancer and children's causes especially in the Bay Area, Margaret O'Leary's bamboo silk and hemp/silk blended knitwear and fashions look good and do good. With boutiques in New York and Seattle as well as San Francisco, her upscale apparel and accessories is available all around the country. Her luxurious knitwear and unique sportswear is as stylish as it is comfortable. [Margaret O'Leary]

Escama [posted on April 2, 2006]

Meaning fish scales in Portuguese, Escama bags are made from recycled aluminum can tabs, giving the appearance similar to the scales of a fish. The bags are handmade by two women’s cooperatives located in economically depressed ‘satellite cities’ of Brasília, Brazil; inside each bag is a card with the name of the artist who crocheted the piece. The bags are available in boutiques and stores from New York to Los Angeles to San Francisco and Seattle, and many place in between. [Escama]

Crossroads Trading Co. [posted on April 2, 2006]

With stores up and down the west coast and as far east as Chicago, Crossroads Trading Co. recycles contemporary fashion from the community and passes the savings along to you. They'll also take your gently used clothes and give you cash for 'em (provided they aren't full of moth balls and someone will still want to wear them after you). [Crossroads Trading Co.]

BalMar [posted on April 24, 2007]

Located in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, the BalMar features a cozy atmosphere highlighted by green building practices and reclaimed materials. Their commitment to sustainability extends to the food, including sustainable wild seafood, local organic produce and small ranch organic meats that complement a full bar. The BalMar is also available for private parties and events; they're open daily from 5pm to 2am at the intersection of Ballard Ave and Market St. [BalMar]

Eat Local [posted on March 19, 2007]

Summing up their food philosophy in two simple words, Eat Local brings chef-prepared local, organic meals to go to Seattle's Queen Anne Hill neighborhood, supporting the local economy and reducing the distance food travels from farm to plate. With a diverse menu featuring over 40 items, including starters, salads, soups, entrees and desserts, Eat Local has something for every taste, including fresh bread delivered daily from Tall Grass Bakery and organic honey from Moon Valley. They have you covered if you need a spare serving dish, offering platters, mugs and pitchers handmade in the Northwest by Port Townsend artist Lorna Smith. [Eat Local]

Cafe Flora [posted on January 12, 2007]

Cafe Flora serves a wide range of vegetarian dishes from their location in Seattle. They strive to have every customer leave delighted, raving about their international, seasonal cuisine. Cafe Flora also fulfil their role in the community in many ways, supporting and participating in fundraising efforts. You can also visit their website to learn about what is happening locally. [Cafe Flora]

Chaco Canyon Cafe [posted on January 12, 2007]

Located in Seattle's University District, Chaco Canyon Cafe is proud to announce that they are "approximately 90% organic from top to bottom...one of the few cafés in the nation that can make this claim." Chaco Canyon recycles and composts more than 90% of their total waste and don't offer plastic utensils and they offer free wireless internet for you to enjoy while you support a local business that has chosen to support the world. [Chaco Canyon Cafe]

Oceanaire Seafood Room [posted on December 7, 2006]

As sleek as a 1930s ocean liner, yet as relaxed as a dinner on the shore, the Oceanaire provides the perfect setting to enjoy Ultra-Fresh seafood, flown in daily from around the world. Sip a Sidecar in the lounge, sidle up to the oyster bar, or kick back in a horseshoe booth before diving into a sea of Ultra-Fresh fish. Their daily-printed menu will guide you, a wine list as deep as the sea will seduce you, and the world’s best seafood awaits you at the Oceanaire. [Oceanaire Seafood Room]

Cascadia Restaurant [posted on December 7, 2006]

Not just a great food and good service, Cascadia uses locally sourced ingredients, works with organic growers, and supports sustainable processes and techniques whenever possible. Owners Chef Kerry Sear and his wife Heidi rely on best-source ingredients from a wide variety of farmers, ranchers, markets and more to create food you'll want to share, yet keep for yourself. [Cascadia Restaurant]

Le Gourmand Restaurant [posted on December 7, 2006]

Located at 425 Northwest Market Street in Seattle, Le Gourmand is a gastronomical pleasure. Chef-Owners Bruce and Sara Naftaly craft organic Northwest ingredients into artful fare. They use local suppliers for their organic ingredients and change the menu every month to